The trap.

We start with a little one. A small, unimportant, harmless falsehood. Do I know from experience? Of course I do. Who hasn't lied.

My biggest ones (just like for many other people) had to do with trying to project an image that was expected of me. We do not wish to disappoint the other person. It's such a small thing to say...

But no sooner do we utter that little sentence that we notice we are in a trap. As one inconsistency shows up, we make up a second lie to cover the first, then a third...

Before we know it, there are two versions of our life. The one the others see, and the one inside. And the chasm widens.

We long to regain control, to come out with it. But, by lying, we have heightened the expectations of those around us.

Did it happen to me? If you don't know, you can find out, if you know the people in my life. Of course I did it.

And a day comes when the weight is just too heavy to bear. We are confronted with the edited version of our lives, we are shown them to be a fabrication. There's only two options:

You can continue with denial. Your self-esteem will suffer more and more. It's self-destruction.

You can stop, and admit: "Yes, I did it. I'm sorry", or "yes, I did, I'm not sorry". Six or seven small words that take all your effort to speak out.

The fear of retribution is huge. We are at the mercy of others. It's not an enviable situation.

And, surprise! The sun is still up there, and the earth still revolves around it. Nothing has changed, but for one thing: you're no longer carrying that weight. You feel relieved.

And the people who love you can see through to the real you. They won't tax you with it, and cab see how you fell into the trap.

Because it is a trap. And the small-time liar is a victim of sorts.

Did it happen to me. Of course it did. Some people (the ones worth keeping around) will accept it and move on with you.

They will feel hurt, but they will also be relieved at having you back. At putting an end to it. All you need to do is to be yourself from now on.

That's a kind of reward. To regain yourself.

If you have something, don't hide it. You're not helping me, and I dare say you're not helping yourself.

Just let go of that weight on your chest. You'll feel better.

Do I speak from personal experience? Of course...

Break the trap. Trust or live with the lie.